SOURCE: “The Wolves, the Sheep, and the Bees,” in Blackwood's Magazine, Vol. 254, July-December, 1943, pp. 73-6.

Wilson offers a historical overview of critical reception to The Instincts of the Herd in Peace and War.

Few characteristics in the English are more irritating to the foreigner, or seem more hypocritical, than the proverbial modesty. It is easy to see why; for it may turn into a trap, as it has done more than once under the test of war. It is a secret weapon always at the ready, more deadly than most yet produced by adversaries who, for all their skill and courage, have too often shown the mentality, made the same boastful noises, and proved quite as destructive as urchins of, perhaps, a backward fourteen.

The modesty is inherent, and extends particularly to things of the mind. Any nation is glad to claim credit for inventions, especially those of...